Somalia Deputy Information Minister Al-Adala denies Puntland claims, says National Security is a Federal Responsibility

Somalia’s Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Abdulrahman Yusuf Al-Adala, has dismissed allegations made by the Puntland administration, insisting that responsibility for national security rests solely with the Federal Government.

Al-Adala said the Federal Government does not have time to respond to what he described as political statements from individuals who have failed in politics.

He stressed that protecting the country’s security is the constitutional responsibility of the Federal Government, not regional administrations.

“The security of the country is the responsibility of the Federal Government. If you are talking about Puntland, the Federal Government is the one responsible for its security,” Al-Adala said.

He also questioned the legitimacy of those accusing the Federal Government of undermining national security, asking whom they represent.

“There are meaningless statements made by people who failed in politics who say the government is making the country insecure. Who do they represent?” he added.

The remarks come amid ongoing political tensions between the Federal Government and Puntland, whose leadership has been at loggerheads with Mogadishu over constitutional amendments, governance issues, and the distribution of powers.

Puntland has previously boycotted several National Consultative Council meetings convened by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, citing disagreements with the Federal Government’s political direction and decision-making process.

Mustaqbal